Animal Ordinances in Compton, CA

If you live in Compton or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Compton has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

Compton limits chickens, poultry and livestock to the Residential Agriculture (R-A) zone only; the low-, medium- and high-density residential zones exclude them entirely. Within R-A, Section 30-7.3 requires horses, cows, goats and sheep to sit at least 50 feet from any dwelling and 10 feet from property lines, while poultry, birds, chinchillas and rabbits need 35 feet from buildings and 10 feet from lot lines.

Key details: Roosters: Up to 6 permitted, R-A only. Large livestock: 1 per 2,500 sq ft, max 5. Sheep/goats: Up to 5 of each per family. Livestock setback: 50 ft buildings, 10 ft lot lines. Poultry/rabbit setback: 35 ft buildings, 10 ft lot lines.

Keeping poultry or livestock outside the R-A zone, over the numeric caps, or closer than the required setback is a zoning violation. Section 30-7.2.d makes exceeding the allowed number of animals a misdemeanor and authorizes the city to confiscate the excess animals, billing the owner for their housing and feeding until disposal. Violations that fall outside that specific animal provision default to Section 1-6.2's citywide penalty of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Compton actively enforces its chickens & livestock requirements.

Pet Limits

Compton's zoning code, not a stand-alone animal ordinance, sets the household pet cap: three adult dogs, three adult cats and three other household pets per lot, with litters under four months not counted. The limit is written into the permitted-use list for the Low-Density Residential (R-L) and Residential Agriculture (R-A) zones, and carries into the Medium- and High-Density zones by cross-reference.

Key details: Dogs allowed: 3 adult dogs per lot. Cats allowed: 3 adult cats per lot. Other pets: 3 other household pets. Litters: Under 4 months exempt from count. Zones covered: R-L, R-A, and R-M/R-H by cross-reference.

Exceeding the pet cap makes the extra animals an unpermitted zoning use. Compton Municipal Code Section 1-6.2 sets the city's default penalty for any Code violation lacking its own specific fine at up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, and the city may pursue civil action as an alternative. R-A carries an extra animal-specific consequence: Section 30-7.2.d authorizes confiscation of animals kept in excess of the permitted number, with the owner billed for their housing and feeding pending disposal.

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs are the only animal allowed into a Compton public park or recreation center without a special permit, and only when kept on a leash no longer than six feet under the city's park conduct rules.

Key details: Leash length limit: Not more than six feet. Other animals: Barred without an exhibition permit. Governs: Public parks and recreation centers only. Default penalty: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/6 months. Infraction alternative: $100/$200/$500 escalating fines.

Chapter 18 does not set its own fine schedule for a park-leash violation, so it defaults to the citywide general penalty in § 1-6.2: a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both, unless the City Attorney charges it as an infraction, which carries escalating fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and up to $500 for each additional offense in that year under § 1-6.3.

Breed Restrictions

Compton adopts LA County Animal Code (Title 10) by reference per CMC 11-1. California prohibits breed-specific bans but allows breed-specific spay/neuter programs. Dangerous dog determinations are behavior-based, not breed-based.

Key details: Breed Bans: Prohibited by CA law. Spay/Neuter: Breed-specific programs allowed. Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based determination. Local Code: CMC 11-1 adopts LA County Title 10.

Dangerous dog violations can result in the dog being seized and potentially euthanized. Owners may face criminal charges for failure to restrain dangerous dogs.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Compton actively enforces its breed restrictions requirements.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pet ownership in Compton is governed by California state law (Title 14, Section 671). Most exotic animals are prohibited statewide. The city enforces state restrictions through its animal control provisions.

Key details: State Regulation: CA Title 14, §671. Prohibited: Ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, large snakes. Max Fine: Up to $10,000 (state). Enforcement: LA County Animal Care / Compton PD. Animal Center: (310) 605-5503.

Keeping a restricted species without a permit is a misdemeanor under state law with fines up to $10,000 and/or six months jail. Animals may be confiscated.

Compared to other cities, Compton takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Compton is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Compton, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Compton's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.